During the first three months of your pregnancy, you are very likely to experience ‘morning sickness’. s. Almost all pregnant women experience a degree of vomiting and nausea, although the degree varies from one woman to another. Women may tend to feel a little sick, regularly have to visit the bathroom for vomiting and feel sick both in the morning and during other times of the day. These symptoms are generally felt only in the first three months, but some women feel sick even after completion of four to five months of pregnancy! There are some guidelines which, if followed, can help you reduce the frequency of your sickness – the following tips might just make things more bearable for you:-
· Take time and get out of bed slowly, rushing can intensify the feeling of sickness.
· Eat something soon after you wake up, even before leaving your bed.
· You might want to prepare something like a light snack the previous night and keep it beside your bed or else ask your husband to bring you something light and appetising.
· Cut down on big meals and have short meals throughout the day; eating smaller amounts at regular intervals will often help you avoid the sick feeling.
· Don’t eat foods that are high in fats or spices, these will often make matters worse.
· Avoid almost all alcohol, and caffeine and please … don’t smoke!
· Consume fluid as much as you can to keep your body well hydrated. Doctors suggest drinking at least 10 to 12 glasses of water but you can also drink fruit juice, herbal tea etc if you like. Ginger tea man prove to be very useful as ginger is a well known help against nausea; ginger tablets, stem ginger and similar may also be beneficial.
· Oily or highly flavoured and salted snacks should be avoided, better to chose some dry crackers if you are feeling a little ‘peckish’.
· Most importantly, have plenty of rest during the course of that day- this may be hard if you already have one or more children at home but try to do so, getting help from relatives or friends if necessary.
· Many women find it more comfortable to keep a pillow under both the head and legs when resting, why not give it a try.
· Move carefully to avoid sudden and harsh movements.
· Take time to sit for a while after you finish eating, this will help your food remain in your stomach and aid proper digestion. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating can make some women feel more sick, so wait a little while before you brush yours after a meal.
· At bed time try a little yoghurt, bread, a sandwich, milk or your favourite cereal before going to bed, this may stop you feeling sick in the morning.
